The University of Manchester does not require the GRE for the large majority of its graduate programmes. As with most UK universities, admission is based on your undergraduate degree classification and academic references.
Does Manchester Require the GRE?
| Programme Type | GRE Status |
|---|---|
| Taught Master's (most departments) | Not required |
| PhD (most departments) | Not required |
| Alliance Manchester Business School — MBA | GMAT preferred; GRE occasionally accepted |
What Manchester Actually Evaluates Instead
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree classification (First/2:1) | Primary factor |
| Relevant coursework and academic references | High |
| Research proposal and supervisor fit (PhD) | Critical for research degrees |
| English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) | Mandatory, separate requirement |
Should You Take the GRE Anyway?
If Manchester is one of several schools you're applying to alongside GRE-requiring destinations, prepare for and take the test regardless — it does not hurt an application even where it's not required.
GRE Is Separate From English Proficiency
Even though Manchester does not require the GRE, IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory for applicants whose prior education was not conducted in English:
| Requirement | Manchester Policy |
|---|---|
| GRE | Not required for the large majority of programmes |
| IELTS | Required — see our Manchester IELTS Requirements guide |
| TOEFL | Required — see our Manchester TOEFL Requirements guide |
Prepare for IELTS with Gabble — the mandatory English requirement for Manchester, regardless of GRE. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback. Or prepare for TOEFL.